LET'S GO CAMPING [FELIX]

[ALDRIC DALEY]

[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=cellspacing,0,true][atrb=width,355,true][atrb=valign, top][atrb=style, background: #ececec; color: #121212;] ICANNOTSLEEP IFICANNOTSTAY Aldric lay about his apartment in a lazy manner, his current seating position being on the sofa with his head where his feet ought to be and his legs over the back of the sofa. He had been sitting like that for quite a while, and the blood rushing to his head began to make him feel a bit woozy,so he decided it was about time to right himself. Once he was right-side up again, the magician made his way into the kitchen, his feet faltering for a moment as the blood from his head rushed back down. "Sure has been a boring day, hasn't it?" the man remarked to no one in particular as he made a brew of coffee, reaching up to push back some of his dark black hair. The day had been long, and Aldric had already finished all the work he had to do at home; various paperwork and bills and the like, all boring typical stuff. He hoped Felix would come home soon, then maybe things would get better. Poring his coffee into a mug-- the blue one with little white birds painted on it-- Aldric tossed in a few sugars then went back into the living room, taking time to water his plant that was perched atop the upright piano he owned.. He noted the plant, which he fondly named 'Milfred', had a few leaves that had began to turn brown around the edges. He'd have to water it a bit more, perhaps. Sitting down at the piano, Aldric sipped his coffee while poking at the keys, trying to recall a tune he had once watched Felix play. The brunette was far better at music, though, and while he could coax beautiful melodies from the instrument, Aldric could only pluck out some notes which sounded nothing like music. Though perhaps he'd have some music soon, as at that moment the door opened, and in came the brunette. "Welcome home Felix." the magician said, turning around in his seat. At once, he saw that something seemed off. "Are you alright? Did something happen at school?" Aldric asked, worry knitting his eyebrows together.

[atrb=style,background: #121212; padding: 10px 35px 0px 10px;][atrb=valign, top]

TEMPLATE BY RINNE OF OTE, LYRICS BY A CITY SAFE FROM SEA.

[FELIX LANGLEY]

It had been Felix's first full week at school since the 'incident', and he already hated it. It had been the talk of the school, apparently, that some kid in sixth form had been bashed, and since he was still relatively battered it didn't take a genius to work out who that kid had been. So he'd gone through the entire week being stared at and whispered about, because the reasons behind the attack were too deliciously scandalous to not talk about.

That had been annoying on its own. But when the boys in his class had actually started saying things to him, doing little things like shoving him up the stairs and trying to trip him... well, he frankly didn't want to deal with it. Which is how he had ended up shoving one of the offending students down the main stairs, getting detention, and then having to have a little chat with the principal about his feelings. And if there was something Felix hated, it was telling others who had no business in his life about how he felt. Especially if it meant he had to stay even longer at school.

But eventually he made it home. Eventually he managed to escape everything. He couldn't wait to get out of that place. Just a little longer, and it would all be over, and he could just... just spend all his time with Aldric and not have to worry about a thing!

Speaking of which, though, he didn't want the man to worry. So he did his best to hide his frustration, his anger, his irritation - but the minute he walked in the door, he knew it hadn't worked.

"I'm fine," he said rather bluntly, moving to dump his books on the nearby table. Although it was quite obvious he wasn't - if he could've slammed them down harder, he would have. He didn't want to deal with this. He just wanted a normal life where no-one paid him too much attention and he could just live in peace! Was that too much to ask? Without saying anything more he went to the magician, wrapped his good arm around the man's neck and sank in to his shoulder, burying his face, trying to escape.

"Can we just run away? I'd really like to run away."

[ALDRIC DALEY]

[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=cellspacing,0,true][atrb=width,355,true][atrb=valign, top][atrb=style, background: #ececec; color: #121212;] ICANNOTSLEEP IFICANNOTSTAY The dark-haired man wrapped one arm around the boy's waist, the other tangling itself into that fluffy brown hair. "I'm sorry Felix, but I don't think running away is going to solve anything." Aldric murmured, pressing a soft kiss on Felix's ear. "But it would be nice to get away. Though I'm not sure where we could go..." But where could they go? Perhaps to a movie or a museum, but there wasn't anywhere they could go without running into people they knew. Maybe they could take the train somewhere.... no, that wouldn't work. Felix has school and Aldric has work, not to mention tickets right now weren't exactly in their price range. None that led to anywhere they'd like to go, anywhere. Hmmm.... what about camping? There wasn't any woods or camping grounds near Brack, though. "Oh! Wait here, I have an idea." Aldric said, untangling himself from the brunette and heading towards the bedroom. "I'll be right back! Just sit tight and close your eyes, I have a surprise to show you." In a few moments, he returned with an armful of sheets and pillows, dumping them unceremoniously on the floor. He first moved the coffee table and shifted the sofa and armchair around, then brought some chairs from the kitchen, and began construction. After rearranging the furniture and draping the bedsheets just right, Aldric had constructed a decently sized fort, big enough for two. After turning off the lights, the dark-haired man switched on some Christmas lights he had found, the little bulb illuminating the inside of the little tent. "Okay, you can look now." the magician said, sitting down next to Felix, his arm winding itself around those small shoulders. "It's not much, but it'll do until we can go on a real getaway, right?""

[atrb=style,background: #121212; padding: 10px 35px 0px 10px;][atrb=valign, top]

TEMPLATE BY RINNE OF OTE, LYRICS BY A CITY SAFE FROM SEA.

[FELIX LANGLEY]

To be completely honest, Felix was not entirely thrilled about being told to 'sit and wait'. He wanted nothing more than to sit and snuggle, but no. He had to have a surprise. Couldn't the man understand he was happy just being with him? He did as he was told, but wasn't very pleased by it. It was worse that the place he had to wait was right by the piano; he hadn't been able to play properly since his arm was broken, and that hadn't exactly been helping his increasingly sour mood. He was going to get horribly out of practice, and then he'd never be able to make a living through music!

But that was the least of his worries right now; he could hear movement, things being pushed around. Heavy things. What was Aldric doing? He was tempted to open his eyes and take a peek, but really he didn't quite have the energy. He'd find out soon enough, anyway. In a rare display of patience, the boy decided he could wait. But that didn't mean he wasn't dying to find out what was going on.

So when he was told he could open his eyes, he did so in an instant, although for the briefest moment he failed to see a thing in the dark. Then he noticed those little stars of light, and the draped blankets, and couldn't stop the huge grin from appearing on his face. Really? It was so unexpected, this impromptu fort, and he'd had no idea how much something so... so almost childish would cheer him up so quickly. He had no way to express how he felt, except...

"I love you." He stood, grabbing the man's hand and dragging him over to the construction, ducking beneath the lights and sheets, finally stopping to crash on some particularly comfortable looking pillows. But nothing was more comfortable than the magician's arms, so he also pulled the man closer, snuggling against his warm body.

"Thank you." He whispered, trying his best to keep his voice steady. Why was everything so hard? If only they really could just live like this, and not have to worry about silly little life problems. They would be far better off.

[ALDRIC DALEY]

[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=cellspacing,0,true][atrb=width,355,true][atrb=valign, top][atrb=style, background: #ececec; color: #121212;] ICANNOTSLEEP IFICANNOTSTAY A smile spread across Aldric's face, as he crawled into the small tent behind Felix. "I love you too. I'm glad you like it." he said with a chuckle, pulling the brunette close to him. It was a bit cramped in the small fort, the pillows taking up most of the space, but it was nice. Cozy, even. The magician wondered when the last time he had made something like this. Years, obviously. Childhood days spent in a little imaginary fortress or castle constructed by kitchen chairs and blankets and sofa cushions, while his parents argued in hushed voices in the kitchen. Unpleasant thoughts aside, it was amusing to Aldric that he could remember how to make one of these makeshift tents, and one that was so stable at that. His fortresses were always the best, his siblings always begged him to make theirs. "Well, now that we're all settled, tell me what is bothering you." the dark-haired man said, shifting to a more comfortable position. One arm resting under his head, the other holding Felix close. "I want to know what happened, tell me everything. I could, I don't know, send a note or something." Or make some threats. he thought, knowing that would probably yield the best results. Perhaps he could just go to the school and confront whoever was harassing his dear Felix, but that probably wouldn't help at all. In fact, it just might make it worse.

[atrb=style,background: #121212; padding: 10px 35px 0px 10px;][atrb=valign, top]

TEMPLATE BY RINNE OF OTE, LYRICS BY A CITY SAFE FROM SEA.

[FELIX LANGLEY]

He liked this. It was cosy and warm and he didn't have to worry about a thing. He could just snuggle against Aldric and pretend he was five again, without a care in the world!

Ah, if only.

"I... I had to go talk to the principal again." He said eventually, after much hesitation and indecision. He wasn't going to say anything, was going to dismiss it all and act like nothing had happened (even if it was quite clear something had). But why hide it? He was just going to make the man worry either way. At least by saying something, he might feel a little better. And maybe Aldric would even buy him something to make everything better (although with their current financial situation, that probably wasn't likely). "I didn't want to, but they made me. Because, well, maybe... maybe I pushed some shit down the stairs." He'd been trying to stay calm, but the memory just made his blood boil.

"But it's not my fault! They didn't hear the things he'd been saying. ...things everyone had been saying." He was thankful for the darkness, for the soft points of light that made the tent seem... more secure, somehow, warm and close and comforting. He moved closer to the magician, breathing in the scent of his shirt, reaching out to hold his hand. "You don't think there's anything... wrong with me, do you? I'm not... I don't need help..." To be honest, he was a little afraid of the answer. He couldn't help but think back to their little conversation in the bookstore, and the things the man had said then. Sure, they'd both been acting out of frustration, but what if that's how he really felt?

Even in the close comfort of the lovingly crafted tent, the thought made the boy cold.

[ALDRIC DALEY]

[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=cellspacing,0,true][atrb=width,355,true][atrb=valign, top][atrb=style, background: #ececec; color: #121212;] ICANNOTSLEEP IFICANNOTSTAY "I... I had to go talk to the principal again." Aldric sighed. Maybe he didn't want to know what happened, but it was too late to say otherwise, so he quietly listened to what Felix had to say, his fingers tracing small circles along the boy's arm. The brunette's little kitten appeared then, crawling in the tent and snuggling itself in between the two. "Well... I uh... can't say they didn't deserve it." the man said, unsure of what to say. He couldn't really condone shoving a person down the stairs, but if they had it coming, what was he supposed to say? Still... pushing someone down stairs. "Just forget about what people say, it doesn't matter. None of them do." Aldric moved to kiss the young teen's forehead, then settled back on the pillow covered floor. Something had to be done. If people kept talking, if Felix kept getting pushed around and bullied... Aldric could only imagine what would happen when the brunette would finally snap. But he could help prevent that, right? He could do... something, but what? It wasn't like he could just pull Felix out of school or teach him at home; that required time and money, which were both pretty scarce at the moment. Though surely there wasn't too much left for him to do, right? "No, no Felix I don't think there's anything... wrong with you." the magician said, snuggling closer. "I would say you seem to have some issues with your temper, but everyone does. Just try not to push anyone down stairs again, okay?" ooc:: spot told me to tell you she says hi and she loves you and she'll work on posts this weekend between exams and projects and stuff <3

[atrb=style,background: #121212; padding: 10px 35px 0px 10px;][atrb=valign, top]

TEMPLATE BY RINNE OF OTE, LYRICS BY A CITY SAFE FROM SEA.

[FELIX LANGLEY]

He heard that hesitation. That tiny little pause in the man's words, that moment of silence that could only mean one thing. He agreed with them. With everyone. He thought the boy was mad, or unstable, or whatever fancy word they wanted to put to it. 'Issues with temper'? That was just a polite way of saying it. What could he do to prove it to these people, to show them that everything he did was for a reason, completely justified? Why did he have to be constantly told off, belittled, just because of how he was?

He was normal. There was nothing wrong with him!

"Aldric... you don't know what it's like. People don't bother you because you're strong and they don't want to mess with you. But me? They see me and think I'm weak, and an easy target, and it's true." A pause, because his words were getting faster and blending together, and it would do no good at all if he couldn't be understood. Because he needed to be understood. He needed Aldric to know that there was nothing wrong with him at all, and that everything that happened was thier fault.

Because if Aldric believed him, he could manage. He could put up with it all for just that bit longer, so long as he had the magician agreeing that he was completely fine.

"Every day people say things like... I don't really want to say them, but they're mean. They hurt. And they make sure I can hear their gossiping and their rumors, because I am such a target. I'm younger than everyone I know, and even the boys in the younger years have started playing 'try to trip Felix'. I don't know if you've forgotten, Aldric, but I got in a fight and lost. I have no-one. And that just makes me more of a target."

He stopped there, before he continued ranting, going on about the Brothers and the other professors, and their high and mighty attitudes, the way they thought their little chats after class would help the boy cope. They didn't. They just made everything so much worse.

But so long as he could come home to this - to the warmth in Aldric's arms, and the soft purring of his kitten as it nestled its tiny head against his chest - it would work out. Right? If the magician believed him, that is. If he knew the boy wasn't crazy.

[ALDRIC DALEY]

[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=cellspacing,0,true][atrb=width,355,true][atrb=valign, top][atrb=style, background: #ececec; color: #121212;] ICANNOTSLEEP IFICANNOTSTAY "That's not true Felix." Aldric said, moving until he was leaning over the young teen, looking down into those pale violet eyes. "You do have someone, you have me. I said I'd always be here for you, and I am. You're not the only one being affected by this, you know." He'd never tell Felix, though. Tell him of the anonymous calls and threat letters he'd found recently, of the places that refused to let him perform his magic acts there. Besides, he was supposed to be the strong one here. The one with all the answers, the pillar of strength, the shoulder one could lean on. Aldric had effectively made sure Felix wouldn't find out about what he had gone through, though he was certain it wasn't as bad as what the brunette had to put up with everyday at school. If only he could do something. Call his parents, maybe? Surely they could do something, since they'd have more influence in effecting the principal than the magician. After all, who would you listen to; the child's parents or the reason he was being harassed? "I know that what people are saying hurts, Felix. People are just a bunch of horrible, shallow creatures, who do their best to destroy anyone who is happier than they are." Aldric explained, his words clipped and angry. "Just forget about them, forget about them all."

[atrb=style,background: #121212; padding: 10px 35px 0px 10px;][atrb=valign, top]

TEMPLATE BY RINNE OF OTE, LYRICS BY A CITY SAFE FROM SEA.

[FELIX LANGLEY]

"I know, but it's just..!" He had to stop himself before he started shouting, and ruined absolutely everything about the current atmosphere. It was silly to get worked up, he knew, and he should just brush the whole affair off and get on with his life. That's what a sensible person would do. That's what Aldric would do. But he couldn't - as much as he tried to, he wasn't the kind of person who could just forget such things. Maybe it was because he was naturally defensive, and maybe it was because they were indirectly insulting Aldric when they said those things; somehow, he couldn't just let it slide.

That was normal, right? To get angry? That didn't make him crazy, did it?

"... I don't want to talk about it anymore." He said after some thought, nestling closer to the man's side. "I just want to be with you." His words were muffled, so it was almost impossible to tell if his voice was steady or not. He didn't even know himself. What he did know, however, was that this wasn't just going to be something that could be easily ignored. Sure, he could try to forget about it this time, but what about the next, and the next?

It was easy to say 'ignore them'. It was a lot harder to do. Especially when it was all he could think about, especially when his mind kept dwelling on the fact that all of this was based on rumour. What if they actually found out? What then? Would either of them be truly safe?

[ALDRIC DALEY]

[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=cellspacing,0,true][atrb=width,355,true][atrb=valign, top][atrb=style, background: #ececec; color: #121212;] ICANNOTSLEEP IFICANNOTSTAY Aldric snuggled closer to the brunette, then sighed. "Alright then, we won't talk about anymore. What's done is done." he said, reaching around to pet the kitten's soft fur, which immediately made it begin to purr. Pestering Felix about what happened wouldn't help things, so he might as well help the boy forget about it all, even if it was for a little while. "Well, unpleasant things aside, I've decided it's time for a change." the dark-haired man said, rolling over onto his back, looking up at the slanted roof of their fort. "Starting in a few weeks or so, I'm no longer going to be doing magic shows anymore. I'll have my own little coffee shop." he turned over towards felix and smiled, "Isn't that great? Everything just needs to be set up and decorated, and it'll be ready." It really was a nice little spot for a cafe; nestled between a bookshop and an antique store, in an area that had lots of people. Not to mention there was a nice apartment above it, which reminded Aldric. "Oh! Yes. Also, I'll be moving. It's right above where the shop will be, not to mention it's fairly larger than this place." which will be great for the two of us. the soon-to-be-ex magician thought, moving closer to plant a kiss on the boy's ear. It was also great because there was enough room for a surprise Aldric had in store for a certain somebody. "So, what do you think?" He asked the young teen, wondering if he'd still like his-- boyfriend?-- if he wasn't magical anymore.

[atrb=style,background: #121212; padding: 10px 35px 0px 10px;][atrb=valign, top]

TEMPLATE BY RINNE OF OTE, LYRICS BY A CITY SAFE FROM SEA.

[FELIX LANGLEY]

It would be a complete and utter lie to say he wasn't a bit surprised by this sudden announcement - in fact, you could say he was very surprised. So surprised that he forgot to be grumpy and moody and be, well, shocked instead. It took him a bit to work out something to say - and when he did, it probably wasn't the first thing you should say when someone announces they're suddenly changing jobs.

"Well, at least now I don't have to worry about you falling for your assistant or anything." A small laugh, as he arched up to press a kiss against the soon-to-be-ex magician's cheek. "Maybe moving would be a good idea, though. The lady downstairs has been looking at me weirdly lately." It probably had something to do with the fact that he was always making visits late at night, or possibly because they tended to not be entirely well groomed when entering the building. Or it could just be because she was a nosey busy-body with nothing to do with her time aside from stare condescendingly at strangers, and Felix liked that explanation the best.

Everything was changing. He wasn't sure if he was quite happy about that, but it's not like he could do anything to stop it. Besides, could he really be disappointed by this? Sure, he loved the fact that Aldric was a magician, but he also loved coffee. This could, potentially, be a win/win situation.

"You'll make magic coffee, right? And cakes in the shape of stars and stuff? If not I don't think I could stay with you, I'd die of disappointment." An obvious joke; it would take a lot more than coffee and cake to drive away Felix.

[ALDRIC DALEY]

[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=cellspacing,0,true][atrb=width,355,true][atrb=valign, top][atrb=style, background: #ececec; color: #121212;] ICANNOTSLEEP IFICANNOTSTAY Aldric chuckled. "Oh, her." He knew exactly who Felix was talking about, and she certainly was a nosy little busy-body, who had also been sending some not-so-polite looks his way. But it didn't matter, because soon he'd be living in a different building and have different neighbors, and some old broad's glares won't even matter anymore. "Hmm? Oh, yes. It would be good to sell some food too," the dark-haired man said, his fingers toying with a lock of Felix's brown hair. "Little cakes and cookies would be nice. People like those. Though I guess that means I should start to practice baking some, until I can find some good employees." He was starting to talk to himself, his mind wandering and wondering about what all would have to be done to get a coffee shop up and running. However, despite being a very talented magician-- a judgement Aldric had passed on himself-- he wasn't so sure making pastries was up his alley. But how hard could it be? "There could be star shaped cookies, some cakes or pastries shaped like rabbits, those would be cute." Perhaps he should make a list later, maybe get some cookbooks too. Maybe this was something he and Felix could do together. "What do you think about helping me bake some stuff? I'll make coffee, too." Aldric asked, leaning his head in close to the brunette's until their heads were touching.

[atrb=style,background: #121212; padding: 10px 35px 0px 10px;][atrb=valign, top]

TEMPLATE BY RINNE OF OTE, LYRICS BY A CITY SAFE FROM SEA.

[FELIX LANGLEY]

He liked feeling the man's fingers in his hair; no matter what kind of mood he was in, that was all it really took to make him feel better. What need was there to worry about anything when the person you loved was right there with you, helping you forget about the world? Felix was sure that whatever the magician did, it would turn our wonderful; and he would be there if things ever got tough.

If only to taste-test those cakes.

"What makes you think I know how to cook?" He could barely contain his laughter; imagine, him, cooking! Oh, what a train wreck that would end up being. He was sure nothing he could make would match Aldric's delicious waffles. "... but I could try, I guess, if you're willing to put up with everything I burn." It wouldn't hurt to try, surely? How many houses burned down because of cooking malfunctions?

... he's have to look that one up. And be extra careful, just in case. But that was in the future; now he was far too preoccupied with snuggling, and being close - so close that it would have been a waste to not sneak in another kiss.

Part of his mind was still lingering on cakes, though. They were pretty delicious, all things considered. He was also a bit caught up on the fact that the adorable little kitten was still there, purring loudly, thankfully having not decided to use the human pin cushions quite yet.

And suddenly, a thought;

"Aldric, when is your birthday?"

[ALDRIC DALEY]

[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=cellspacing,0,true][atrb=width,355,true][atrb=valign, top][atrb=style, background: #ececec; color: #121212;] ICANNOTSLEEP IFICANNOTSTAY "That's alright, I don't mind burnt cookies." the man said with a chuckle, knowing that his first dozen or so cakes and cookies would probably not even be edible. He returned Felix's kiss, wondering how much longer they would have to stay inside this little fort. It was nice, romantic eve, but it was also starting to get a bit stuffy. "Aldric, when is your birthday?" "What?" the man said, the question catching him off guard for a moment. "Oh, my birthday. It's January thirteenth." Aldric wondered a bit why the boy was asking anyway. Not that it was a problem or anything, though thinking back he couldn't remember when his birthday held any kind of significance. He rarely even got a call from this family on that day. Also, hadn't he told Felix that bit of information before? It seemed like something that they'd both naturally know about each other, how could he not have mentioned that before? Aldric sat up, being careful not to accidentally squash the cat. "I think I'm going to start making lunch. You hungry?" he asked the brunette. ooc- sorry if this is short, my mind is all over the place

[atrb=style,background: #121212; padding: 10px 35px 0px 10px;][atrb=valign, top]

TEMPLATE BY RINNE OF OTE, LYRICS BY A CITY SAFE FROM SEA.